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Re: Buckfast / Italian cross

I started with Buckfasts and they were feisty little buggers. Subsequently, I bought out an oldtimer that had Italians. I never requeen and let the girls figure that out on their own. I have done splits and combines, so now I pretty much have Buckfast/Italian mutts. They are sweet as the honey they make; hardly need smoking during a good nectar flow. The only time they give me any trouble is during the dearth and should one become queenless.

Re: Buckfast / Italian cross

I've currently got Italians, and they seem hot to me. When I read those comments about a Buckfast cross, that was of concern, since I've got Buckfast coming. I don't want anything that might increase the heat of these girls! I guess it's just a crapshoot, eh? I know these Italians have built up super strong from nothing, and I know that's a good sign. Im thinking "Yay bees!" So I can deal with their "heat" if it correlates to their strength and survivability. I would like to avoid hotter tho.

Re: Buckfast / Italian cross

Seymore, it was almost 10 years ago so the buckfast part has most likely really been bred out. They're real mutts. It's interesting to look into a hive and see all different colors and stripes. Really can't say what breed they are anymore. Okay with me as long as they keep building up and making honey like they've done for me over the years.